Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You three sound like great nannies. I wish there were more out there like you. The other nannies on this forum only seem interested in defending their excessive cell phone use and complaining about not being paid enough.

I love that some of you are just happy to be nannies and love our children. Thank you.

I am not a nanny who uses her cell phone at work (except for the sole purpose of keeping in touch with MB and DB). I have a bachelors degree in ECE, and spend all day engaging my charge in meaningful pursuits (language development, art projects, sensory activities, trips to wildlife centers, museums, library story time, play dates, etc), and doing the dishes and preparing wholesome foods while my charge naps.

But I did not get a three day weekend. I rarely do. And yes, I do not get paid enough. I accepted a low salary to start, expecting regular raises and new baby raises, which I've always gotten with other families. (I started when their child was three months old and it was around her third birthday her parents told me they are "one and done.") Every year upon my review, they've offered me a small bonus (one weeks salary) OR a small raise (50 cents per hour). I have to pay rent and student loans, etc, but every year they tell me they can't afford to pay me much more, while I continue to watch them buy new cars, etc. I only get one week off paid per year, I do get guaranteed hours but they have only taken weekend vacations the last two years, (leaving at 4pm Friday and returning Sunday night), so it's been rare for me to have any paid time off (no holidays either; MB and DB have me come in to work on holidays they get

off). I still make enough to get by, but it's increasingly difficult.

And you know why I haven't quit? Because I love my charge.

Apparently you love your charge and hate yourself. You are an idiot to stay in this job when these parents will fire you once he starts school.

I agree.. If they don't and haven't given you raises after 3 years why do you stay?!.. I can understand loving your charge, but that's crazy to work yourself for nothing while her parents know they'll get rid of you in September because she will probably start school. No way in hell I would stay at a job like this not that much love in the world unless it's my own kids

Thanks for the support everyone; calling me an idiot is so productive.

If you must know, I've just recently started my third year with them, so I've only just recently had my second review (about a month ago). It was the first review when they offered the 50 cent raise. I've had parents who were expecting (or trying) but hadn't told anyone yet give me a small-ish raise, then offer another raise a few months later when baby is official, so I thought something like that might happen. Also in the first year and a half or so, they gave me lots of little extras (kept my favorite foods stocked in the fridge for me, gave me lots of $10 and $20 gift cards for coffee shops, movie theaters, etc randomly), so I didn't want to be petty after that first review.

After this more recent second review, where they gave me a weeks pay instead of a raise (and when the extras have been happening less and less), I HAVE started to look around a bit for another position, just to see if there's something that might be a better fit (and allow me to pay my bills more comfortably). They've signed DC up for part time preschool, two mornings per week for three hours, starting in the fall, and will keep my pay the same, without adding other responsibilities (although I said I was open to it), but I'm sure they'll be putting DC in full time school in Fall 2016 and let me go then.

The biggest trouble I'm having is how can I apply for a new job when I can't let them contact my employer of the past three years? My previous MB (of four years) is a great reference, but my job before that (8 years ago) lasted only two years, and they didn't keep in touch with me (they moved; I sent their oldest a birthday card four months later but never got a response or even confirmation it was received; things ended on good terms so I don't know why they never responded). I haven't used them as a reference in three years, and I just feel weird relying on them for a reference from a short position so many years ago. I just don't see how I can be super competitive with only one solid reference (from 3.5 years ago). I also don't think it would be wise to tell my current MB I'm looking around for a better paying job. Suggestions?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You three sound like great nannies. I wish there were more out there like you. The other nannies on this forum only seem interested in defending their excessive cell phone use and complaining about not being paid enough.

I love that some of you are just happy to be nannies and love our children. Thank you.

I am not a nanny who uses her cell phone at work (except for the sole purpose of keeping in touch with MB and DB). I have a bachelors degree in ECE, and spend all day engaging my charge in meaningful pursuits (language development, art projects, sensory activities, trips to wildlife centers, museums, library story time, play dates, etc), and doing the dishes and preparing wholesome foods while my charge naps.

But I did not get a three day weekend. I rarely do. And yes, I do not get paid enough. I accepted a low salary to start, expecting regular raises and new baby raises, which I've always gotten with other families. (I started when their child was three months old and it was around her third birthday her parents told me they are "one and done.") Every year upon my review, they've offered me a small bonus (one weeks salary) OR a small raise (50 cents per hour). I have to pay rent and student loans, etc, but every year they tell me they can't afford to pay me much more, while I continue to watch them buy new cars, etc. I only get one week off paid per year, I do get guaranteed hours but they have only taken weekend vacations the last two years, (leaving at 4pm Friday and returning Sunday night), so it's been rare for me to have any paid time off (no holidays either; MB and DB have me come in to work on holidays they get off). I still make enough to get by, but it's increasingly difficult.

And you know why I haven't quit? Because I love my charge.

Then you are choosing to martyr yourself needlessly. You're not an indentured servant. Negotiate for more or look for another job.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You three sound like great nannies. I wish there were more out there like you. The other nannies on this forum only seem interested in defending their excessive cell phone use and complaining about not being paid enough.

I love that some of you are just happy to be nannies and love our children. Thank you.

I am not a nanny who uses her cell phone at work (except for the sole purpose of keeping in touch with MB and DB). I have a bachelors degree in ECE, and spend all day engaging my charge in meaningful pursuits (language development, art projects, sensory activities, trips to wildlife centers, museums, library story time, play dates, etc), and doing the dishes and preparing wholesome foods while my charge naps.

But I did not get a three day weekend. I rarely do. And yes, I do not get paid enough. I accepted a low salary to start, expecting regular raises and new baby raises, which I've always gotten with other families. (I started when their child was three months old and it was around her third birthday her parents told me they are "one and done.") Every year upon my review, they've offered me a small bonus (one weeks salary) OR a small raise (50 cents per hour). I have to pay rent and student loans, etc, but every year they tell me they can't afford to pay me much more, while I continue to watch them buy new cars, etc. I only get one week off paid per year, I do get guaranteed hours but they have only taken weekend vacations the last two years, (leaving at 4pm Friday and returning Sunday night), so it's been rare for me to have any paid time off (no holidays either; MB and DB have me come in to work on holidays they get

off). I still make enough to get by, but it's increasingly difficult.

And you know why I haven't quit? Because I love my charge.

Apparently you love your charge and hate yourself. You are an idiot to stay in this job when these parents will fire you once he starts school.

I agree.. If they don't and haven't given you raises after 3 years why do you stay?!.. I can understand loving your charge, but that's crazy to work yourself for nothing while her parents know they'll get rid of you in September because she will probably start school. No way in hell I would stay at a job like this not that much love in the world unless it's my own kids

Anonymous wrote:That is so lovely.

Three day weekends remind me of how thankful I am to have such a great nanny!

+1

That is so lovely.

Three day weekends remind me of how thankful I am to have such a great nanny!

How refreshing to hear.

Hopefully many MomBosses will see your posting + realize that the majority of us Nannies really do LOVE the kids they are being paid to care for.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You three sound like great nannies. I wish there were more out there like you. The other nannies on this forum only seem interested in defending their excessive cell phone use and complaining about not being paid enough.

I love that some of you are just happy to be nannies and love our children. Thank you.

I am not a nanny who uses her cell phone at work (except for the sole purpose of keeping in touch with MB and DB). I have a bachelors degree in ECE, and spend all day engaging my charge in meaningful pursuits (language development, art projects, sensory activities, trips to wildlife centers, museums, library story time, play dates, etc), and doing the dishes and preparing wholesome foods while my charge naps.

But I did not get a three day weekend. I rarely do. And yes, I do not get paid enough. I accepted a low salary to start, expecting regular raises and new baby raises, which I've always gotten with other families. (I started when their child was three months old and it was around her third birthday her parents told me they are "one and done.") Every year upon my review, they've offered me a small bonus (one weeks salary) OR a small raise (50 cents per hour). I have to pay rent and student loans, etc, but every year they tell me they can't afford to pay me much more, while I continue to watch them buy new cars, etc. I only get one week off paid per year, I do get guaranteed hours but they have only taken weekend vacations the last two years, (leaving at 4pm Friday and returning Sunday night), so it's been rare for me to have any paid time off (no holidays either; MB and DB have me come in to work on holidays they get off). I still make enough to get by, but it's increasingly difficult.

And you know why I haven't quit? Because I love my charge.

Apparently you love your charge and hate yourself. You are an idiot to stay in this job when these parents will fire you once he starts school.

Anonymous wrote:You three sound like great nannies. I wish there were more out there like you. The other nannies on this forum only seem interested in defending their excessive cell phone use and complaining about not being paid enough.

I love that some of you are just happy to be nannies and love our children. Thank you.

I am not a nanny who uses her cell phone at work (except for the sole purpose of keeping in touch with MB and DB). I have a bachelors degree in ECE, and spend all day engaging my charge in meaningful pursuits (language development, art projects, sensory activities, trips to wildlife centers, museums, library story time, play dates, etc), and doing the dishes and preparing wholesome foods while my charge naps.

But I did not get a three day weekend. I rarely do. And yes, I do not get paid enough. I accepted a low salary to start, expecting regular raises and new baby raises, which I've always gotten with other families. (I started when their child was three months old and it was around her third birthday her parents told me they are "one and done.") Every year upon my review, they've offered me a small bonus (one weeks salary) OR a small raise (50 cents per hour). I have to pay rent and student loans, etc, but every year they tell me they can't afford to pay me much more, while I continue to watch them buy new cars, etc. I only get one week off paid per year, I do get guaranteed hours but they have only taken weekend vacations the last two years, (leaving at 4pm Friday and returning Sunday night), so it's been rare for me to have any paid time off (no holidays either; MB and DB have me come in to work on holidays they get off). I still make enough to get by, but it's increasingly difficult.

And you know why I haven't quit? Because I love my charge.

You three sound like great nannies. I wish there were more out there like you. The other nannies on this forum only seem interested in defending their excessive cell phone use and complaining about not being paid enough.

I love that some of you are just happy to be nannies and love our children. Thank you.

Although I'm busy with family, beach and outing I'm looking forward to see my Charges a 15 and 12 month old. I love them so much and I get paid for such a rewarding experience

I am an older nanny and have many other jobs in other professions before and have never missed my "boss" on a Sunday before becoming a nanny. I love it and I love my 21 month old charge. Can't wait for tomorrow!

I am actually sitting here missing my adorable little charge! I can't wait to see him tomorrow morning!